binääriarvo

Binääriarvo, or binary value, refers to a value that can only exist in one of two possible states. In computing, these states are typically represented as 0 and 1. This fundamental concept underpins all digital information processing.

A single binary value is known as a bit, which is short for binary digit. Bits are the smallest units of data in computing. Combinations of bits are used to represent more complex information, such as numbers, letters, and instructions. For example, a sequence of eight bits, called a byte, can represent 256 different values.

The binary system, also known as base-2, is a numeral system that uses only two symbols, 0 and 1, to represent numbers. This is in contrast to the decimal system (base-10) which uses ten digits (0-9). Computers operate using binary because electronic circuits are easily designed to represent two distinct states: on or off, high voltage or low voltage, which directly correspond to 1 and 0.

The concept of binääriarvo is crucial in understanding how data is stored, transmitted, and manipulated within digital systems. Logic gates, the building blocks of digital circuits, operate on binary inputs to produce binary outputs, enabling complex computations and decision-making processes.